1 Chronicles 18:11

KJV

Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all [these] nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.

KJV (with Strong's)

Them also king {H4428} David {H1732} dedicated {H6942} unto the LORD {H3068}, with the silver {H3701} and the gold {H2091} that he brought {H5375} from all these nations {H1471}; from Edom {H123}, and from Moab {H4124}, and from the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, and from the Philistines {H6430}, and from Amalek {H6002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

which King David dedicated to ADONAI, along with the silver and gold that he had carried off from all the nations - from Edom, Mo'av, the people of 'Amon, the P'lishtim and 'Amalek.

Berean Standard Bible

and King David dedicated these to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had carried off from all these nations—from Edom and Moab, and from the Ammonites, Philistines, and Amalekites.

American Standard Version

These also did king David dedicate unto Jehovah, with the silver and the gold that he carried away from all the nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King David, following a series of decisive military victories over the surrounding nations, did not appropriate the vast spoils of silver and gold for his personal gain or the immediate treasury of his kingdom. Instead, in an profound act of piety and acknowledgment of divine sovereignty, he consecrated these immense riches directly "unto the LORD." This dedication underscored his understanding that all success and wealth ultimately derived from God, setting apart these resources for sacred purposes, particularly for the future construction of the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the theological culmination of the military campaigns detailed in [1 Chronicles 18:1-10](/1_chronicles/18 "1 Chronicles 18 - David's Victories"). The preceding verses meticulously recount David's subjugation of formidable enemies, including the Philistines, Moabites, Syrians (Hadadezer of Zobah), Edomites, Ammonites, and Amalekites. The narrative emphasizes that "the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went" ([1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - The Lord Gave Victory to David")), framing these conquests not merely as military achievements but as divine blessings. David's act of dedicating the spoils to the LORD is presented as the appropriate and righteous response to God's faithfulness and power, setting a precedent for future generations and preparing the way for the Temple's construction under Solomon. The parallel account in [2 Samuel 8](/2_samuel/8 "2 Samuel 8 - David's Victories and Administration") also details these triumphs, though 1 Chronicles often highlights the theological implications more explicitly.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was common practice for victorious kings to seize vast amounts of plunder from conquered nations. This wealth was typically used to enrich the monarch, fund royal projects, or adorn the temples of their patron deities. David's action, while fitting within the broader custom of dedicating spoils, distinguishes itself by the specific dedication "unto the LORD" (Yahweh). This was not merely an offering but a formal act of consecration, acknowledging the unique covenant relationship between Israel and its God. The nations listed—Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistines, and Amalek—were long-standing adversaries of Israel, representing a history of conflict and oppression. David's victories over them signified the establishment of Israel's secure borders and regional dominance, fulfilling earlier promises of land and rest. The sheer volume of silver and gold indicates the immense wealth and strategic importance of these defeated kingdoms.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Victory**, reinforcing the Chronicler's consistent message that God is the true source of Israel's strength and success. David's military prowess is acknowledged, but the ultimate credit for his triumphs is attributed to the LORD, who "gave victory to David wherever he went" ([1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - The Lord Gave Victory to David")). Secondly, the act of "dedicating" underscores the theme of **Dedication and Consecration**. David's response stands in stark contrast to King Saul's disobedience regarding the spoils from the Amalekites in [1 Samuel 15:9](/1_samuel/15-9 "1 Samuel 15:9 - Saul Spares Agag and Best of Spoils"), where Saul failed to fully consecrate the plunder to God, leading to his rejection as king. David's piety demonstrates a deep understanding of God's holiness and His rightful claim over all things. Finally, this dedication is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Provision for God's House**. While David was forbidden from building the Temple himself, he meticulously prepared for its construction by amassing vast resources. This act of dedicating the spoils in [1 Chronicles 18:11](/1_chronicles/18-11 "1 Chronicles 18:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord") is a foundational step in his comprehensive preparations, further elaborated in [1 Chronicles 29:2-9](/1_chronicles/29-2 "1 Chronicles 29:2-9 - David's Preparations for the Temple"), showcasing David's fervent desire to honor God through worship and the establishment of a permanent dwelling for the Ark.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dedicated (Hebrew, _qadash'_):** This verb means "to be holy," "to consecrate," "to hallow," or "to set apart for sacred use." It is a foundational term in biblical theology, signifying the act of rendering something or someone exclusively for God's possession and purpose. David's use of this term for the spoils of war elevates his action beyond a mere offering or tax; it was a solemn, theological declaration that these vast material resources were no longer common but were now holy, set apart for the LORD's service, particularly for the future Temple.
* **silver and the gold:** These terms represent immense wealth and precious metals, signifying not just a token offering but a significant portion of the total spoils. The mention of specific materials emphasizes the tangible and substantial nature of David's dedication. In the ancient world, silver and gold were the primary forms of stored wealth and were crucial for large-scale building projects, particularly for a magnificent structure like the Temple. Their dedication highlights the scale of God's blessing on David's reign and David's proportionate response.
* **nations:** The explicit listing of "Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek" is significant. These were not random tribes but long-standing, powerful adversaries of Israel, often representing existential threats. Their defeat and the appropriation of their wealth symbolize God's comprehensive victory over Israel's enemies and the establishment of peace and security within the promised land. The enumeration underscores the totality of David's conquests and, by extension, the LORD's comprehensive triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes David's active role as the agent of dedication and the LORD as the ultimate recipient. "Them" refers to the spoils of war previously mentioned. The act of "dedicating" (qadash) signifies a profound spiritual act, not merely a transfer of ownership, but a setting apart for holy purposes, demonstrating David's deep piety and recognition of God's sovereignty over all things, including the outcome of battles.
* **"with the silver and the gold that he brought from all [these] nations;"**: This specifies the nature of the dedicated "them" as valuable precious metals, emphasizing the immense wealth acquired through conquest. The phrase "that he brought from all these nations" highlights the source of this wealth—the successful military campaigns—and implicitly acknowledges that these victories were divinely granted, allowing David to obtain such spoils.
* **"from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek."**: This final clause provides a detailed enumeration of the specific nations from whom the wealth was taken. This list serves to underscore the breadth and completeness of David's (and God's) victories over Israel's historical enemies. Each nation represents a significant triumph, and their collective mention reinforces the idea of comprehensive peace and security established under David's reign, all made possible by the LORD.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse to emphasize its theological significance. **Enumeration** is prominently used through the explicit listing of the defeated nations (Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistines, Amalek). This detailed list serves to highlight the comprehensive nature of David's victories and, by extension, the extent of God's blessing and power in establishing Israel's dominion. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play, particularly when read in the broader context of Israel's history. David's faithful dedication of the spoils stands in stark opposition to King Saul's earlier disobedience regarding the Amalekite plunder in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience"), where Saul failed to fully consecrate the spoils to God. This contrast subtly underscores David's righteousness and his suitability as God's chosen king. Finally, the dedicated "silver and the gold" function as **Symbolism**, representing not just material wealth but the tangible outcome of divine favor and the resources set apart for the sacred purpose of building God's dwelling place, foreshadowing the Temple's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 18:11 powerfully articulates a core biblical principle: the recognition of God's ultimate ownership and the proper response of stewardship. David's dedication of the spoils is more than a generous act; it is an act of worship, acknowledging that all victories, resources, and blessings originate from the LORD. This understanding counters the human tendency to claim credit for success or to hoard wealth for self-aggrandizement. Instead, David models a life lived in humble dependence and grateful consecration, demonstrating that true prosperity lies not in accumulation but in dedicating one's gains to God's purposes. This principle extends beyond material wealth to encompass all aspects of life, calling believers to consecrate their talents, time, and influence to God's glory.

* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All for God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King David's exemplary act in 1 Chronicles 18:11 provides a timeless blueprint for how believers should approach their successes and resources. In a world that often measures worth by accumulation and personal gain, David reminds us that true prosperity is found in acknowledging God as the ultimate source of every blessing. Whether it's financial success, professional achievements, personal talents, or even moments of peace and security, all are ultimately gifts from God. Our response, like David's, should be one of grateful dedication. This means consciously setting apart a portion of our "spoils"—our time, talents, and treasure—for God's kingdom work. It challenges us to consider if our generosity is merely an afterthought or a foundational act of worship, reflecting our belief in God's sovereignty and our desire to see His purposes fulfilled. David's foresight in preparing for the Temple also teaches us about long-term vision and commitment to God's work, encouraging us to invest in initiatives that will glorify God for generations to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I currently acknowledge God as the ultimate source of my successes and resources, both tangible and intangible?**
* **In what practical ways can I dedicate my "spoils"—my time, talents, or financial resources—to the Lord's purposes today?**
* **What does David's proactive preparation for the Temple teach me about my own long-term commitment and investment in God's kingdom work?**
* **Are there areas of my life where I am tempted to hoard or claim credit for blessings that are ultimately from God? How can I reorient my perspective towards dedication?**

### FAQ
**Why did David dedicate the wealth to the LORD instead of keeping it for himself or the kingdom's general use?**

Answer: David's decision to dedicate the vast wealth (silver and gold) to the LORD, rather than retaining it for personal use or general state expenditures, was rooted in his profound piety and theological understanding. Firstly, David recognized that his military victories and the subsequent acquisition of wealth were not solely due to his own prowess but were divine blessings, as the Chronicler repeatedly emphasizes that "the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went" ([1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - The Lord Gave Victory to David")). Dedicating the spoils was an act of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His rightful claim over all things. Secondly, this act served a specific, future-oriented purpose: to provide resources for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Although David was not permitted to build the Temple himself, he passionately desired to see a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant established. His dedication of these spoils was a crucial step in accumulating the necessary materials and funds for this monumental project, as further detailed in [1 Chronicles 29](/1_chronicles/29 "1 Chronicles 29 - David's Preparations for the Temple")). This contrasts sharply with the common ancient Near Eastern practice where kings would typically keep such plunder for themselves, highlighting David's unique devotion to Yahweh and his commitment to God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's dedication of the spoils of war to the LORD in 1 Chronicles 18:11 serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate and perfect dedication. David, as an earthly king, conquered physical enemies and dedicated material wealth; Jesus, the true and eternal King, conquered spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—and dedicated Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. Just as David's victories brought peace and security to Israel, Christ's victory on the cross secured eternal peace and reconciliation for all who believe, triumphing over the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "spoils" of Christ's victory are not silver and gold, but a redeemed humanity, a people set apart and consecrated to God through His blood ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). He dedicated His very life, offering Himself as a spotless lamb "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Sanctifies Us")), thereby fulfilling the essence of "dedication" in its most profound sense. Through His perfect self-offering, Christ established the true spiritual Temple, His body, and continually presents His redeemed people as a holy offering to the Father, demonstrating a dedication far surpassing any earthly king's act.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 12:18

And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold [that was] found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent [it] to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

Exodus 35:5

Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever [is] of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

Micah 4:13

Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

Joshua 6:19

But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, [are] consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 26:26

Which Shelomith and his brethren [were] over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated.

1 Chronicles 26:27

Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 26:20

¶ And of the Levites, Ahijah [was] over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.